The Ploughman's Lunch Poster

The Ploughman's Lunch 1983

★ 4.813 votes107 min📅 1983-05-30

"An age of deceit... A man of our times"

Set against the gritty backdrop of the 1982 Falklands War, *The Ploughman's Lunch (1983)* follows Jim, a determined BBC journalist clawing his way up from working-class roots by any means necessary.

Director: Richard Eyre

Cast

Jonathan Pryce
Jonathan Pryce
James Penfield
Tim Curry
Tim Curry
Jeremy Hancock
Rosemary Harris
Rosemary Harris
Ann Barrington
Frank Finlay
Frank Finlay
Matthew Fox
Charlie Dore
Charlie Dore
Susan Barrington
David de Keyser
David de Keyser
Gold
Bill Paterson
Bill Paterson
Lecturer
Orlando Wells
Orlando Wells
Tom Fox
Nat Jackley
Nat Jackley
Mr Penfield
Pearl Hackney
Pearl Hackney
Mrs Penfield

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Ploughman's Lunch (1983) about?

This gripping drama centers on Jim, a BBC journalist who fabricates his way to success during the Falklands War, only to face a devastating revelation about his own role in a much larger deception. The film explores the cost of ambition and the moral compromises of a man who trades honesty for power.

Who directed The Ploughman's Lunch?

The film was directed by Richard Eyre, known for his sharp, character-driven dramas that delve into societal and political themes.

Who stars in The Ploughman's Lunch?

The cast includes Jonathan Pryce, Tim Curry, Rosemary Harris, Frank Finlay, and Charlie Dore in standout roles.

Is The Ploughman's Lunch (1983) worth watching?

For fans of political and character-driven dramas, *The Ploughman's Lunch* is a compelling watch. While not widely rated, its themes of ambition and moral decay resonate strongly, offering a sharp critique of media and class in the 1980s.

How long is The Ploughman's Lunch?

The runtime of *The Ploughman's Lunch* is 107 minutes.

About The Ploughman's Lunch (1983) — A Dark Drama About Ambition and Betrayal in 1980s Britain

Set against the gritty backdrop of the 1982 Falklands War, *The Ploughman's Lunch (1983)* follows Jim, a determined BBC journalist clawing his way up from working-class roots by any means necessary. Directed by Richard Eyre, this sharp political drama exposes the moral compromises of a man willing to lie, manipulate, and betray to achieve his ambitions. As Jim's web of deceit unravels, he discovers that the real deception runs far deeper than his own schemes—a biting commentary on power, class, and the media landscape of Thatcher-era Britain. With a somber, tension-filled atmosphere, the film blends personal ambition with the cold realities of a nation at war, making it a haunting exploration of identity and consequence.

Starring Jonathan Pryce in a career-defining role, alongside Tim Curry and Rosemary Harris, *The Ploughman's Lunch* is a masterclass in character-driven drama. Eyre's direction crafts a world where ambition clashes with integrity, leaving viewers to question how far one should go for success.